Old or newer 8BA?

[budmanroch]

I have a '52 F-6 dump truck with a cracked block. I have found some flathead blocks from the earlier vintage '39-'48 with the center water outlet in the heads. Will I be giving up anything in performance and or bolt-up-ability to my T-9 transmission or motor mounts? The water pumps are the motor mounts now. I don't know much about the differences other than the water flows are different and - not as good?

[JSeery]

One difference is the bellhousing setup. The early blocks had what is sometimes referred to as a half-bell cast into the block. So a different bellhousing (the half type) would be required. Another difference is the distributor, front mounted vs side mounted. Although the front of the blocks are basically the same so you could switch the front covers.

[fordwife]

You will save yourself a lot of trouble if you can find another 8BA engine.

[budmanroch]

Originally Posted by JSeery

One difference is the bellhousing setup. The early blocks had what is sometimes referred to as a half-bell cast into the block. So a different bellhousing (the half type) would be required. Another difference is the distributor, front mounted vs side mounted. Although the front of the blocks are basically the same so you could switch the front covers.

I didn't see the half bell on the block I was looking at. But I saw that center outlet in the head. Am I wrong that its a pre-49 block? When did they change the heads to the front outlet ?

[40 Deluxe]

If it has a bolt-on bellhousing, it is an 8BA. The heads could have been swapped for some reason, as could the ignition. But you can't change from the cast in, integral bellhousing to a bolt-on bellhousing.

[budmanroch]

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Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

If it has a bolt-on bellhousing, it is an 8BA. The heads could have been swapped for some reason, as could the ignition. But you can't change from the cast in, integral bellhousing to a bolt-on bellhousing.

OK - case closed. It must be an 8BA with other parts mixed in.

[big job]

If this helps. While doing a total rebuild on my 1946 car engine which would be 1942 thru
1948 239CI so we slid a 1953 EAB basically a 8BA also a fresh rebuild so I'd have daily
wheels. The EAB was in a F6. I did nothing to the clutch found to be the F6 T9 spline
same as my car . Only thing was I had to get top radiator hoses. Thats all. Hardest
thing was putting the hood back on. I did use my 1946 59A exhaust manifolds on the
EBA. I even bought high buck 6volt power master for the EBA. The results were for me
disappointing, the 53 EAB had no where the snap of the 59A? likely the 11 clutch. Well finally finished the 59A last winter & put it back in the car. This is my only wheels and
it will give you whip lash. May have a 1000 miles on it , and getting better and better.
I am only out the cost of the alternator (won't fit a 59A) engine. EAB went back on the
shelf. As you asked, the change. 1948 trucks got the new 8RT while cars used the 59A's. By 1949 all cars and trucks used 8BA car 8RT truck engines. Back in my oval
track racing days nobody ran 8BAs all were 59's floating bearing 239cI engines: why
I'll never know but 59's kicked. Ain't that right Ole Ron..................sam

Here is a genuine 1953 EAB that went into my 46 Super Deluxe

[budmanroch]

That is a nice looking motor. Interesting viewpoint on power. I don't think my dump truck will see any difference in motors. I found a '52 truck motor that I think I'll use.

[big job]

Originally Posted by budmanroch

That is a nice looking motor. Interesting viewpoint on power. I don't think my dump truck will see any difference in motors. I found a '52 truck motor that I think I'll use.

Problem solved::::

[budmanroch]

What did you paint that engine with? If it looks 1/2 that good after its run it would be awesome.

[budmanroch]

Thanks to all of you offering motors. I have purchased a motor and should be all set.